Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI)

PICFI Elements

Acquiring commercial fisheries access in support of greater First Nation participation in integrated commercial fisheries is the largest financial element of the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative.
PICFI will support greater certainty and stability around fisheries access and allocation, necessary for sustainable fisheries and effective resource stewardship. It will support First Nations’ aspirations while providing exit opportunities to commercial fishers who wish to retire from a particular fishery.

To acquire a broad range of access coast-wide, through voluntary retirement of existing commercial licences or quota, in support of increased First Nation participation in commercial fisheries.
To support the development of sustainable First Nation commercial fishing enterprises by acquiring a diverse array of access to commercial fisheries for various species.
To provide opportunities for commercial harvesters who wish to retire from a particular fishery.

Key principles for guiding this element of PICFI include:
- Conservation and Sustainability – Increasing First Nations commercial fishery participation will not place additional pressure on fisheries resources.
- Equitable, Fair and Transparent – First Nations commercial access will be acquired through the voluntary retirement of existing licences or quota on a willing buyer, willing seller basis.
- Value for Money – The process for acquiring access must be strategic to maximize value for money by adopting a multi-species, multi-year, coast wide approach.
- Collaboration – The access acquisition process will be designed and implemented in collaboration with First Nations and industry representatives.